An ‘honorary woman’ on the importance of Jo’s Writing your Life Stories course at The Watermill

I was staying recently with my friend Laurence Marks, the scriptwriter, and he let me read part of the manuscript of his memoir, about a period when we were both in journalism and in London in the 1960s. Beautiful writing and I can’t wait to read more.

Laurence (Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman, etc., etc.) came on Jo Parfitt’s Writing Your Life Stories course here some five years ago and he still has fond memories. He says: “For a week I became an honorary woman. Eleven women and me, all intent on learning the rudiments of how to write a memoir. I went home with my manhood intact, but I also left the Watermill knowing considerably more about the shortcuts and methods of chronicling my life. Under the careful, learned and sympathetic supervision of Jo Parfitt, I am now twelve chapters into my magnum opus and not a morning passes when I don’t refer to the notes and advice Jo passed on to me.” The battered photograph, top, sent to us recently by another participant, shows Laurence among our other writing guests.

Not bad praise coming from a successful professional writer! But Jo’s course is for aspiring writers of all levels. All you have to do is want to write! Jo says: “The class will include several methods and genre and is perfect for anyone wanting to write about their own lives for an effective journal, memoir or blog. If you would enjoy an injection of inspiration in a safe and supportive environment this course is for you. It is appropriate for students of any level.”

We’ had such a demand for Jo’s first Writing your Life Stories course this year, that we’ve opened a second week for her. Jo’s new week will run from 18-25 August. We’ve been told that this is an ideal time for many people, such as people who work in schools and universities, who can only take time off in the academic holidays and, of course, anyone who want to come is welcome. You won’t regret it! As one student on Jo’s last course here said: “I can honestly say it’s been life changing for me and the setting could not have been more perfect.”

We already have bookings coming in for this new week, so if you would like to join us, please let us know as soon as you can and we’ll make sure you have a place reserved.

Jo’s Write Your Life Stories creative writing courses are designed to help you produce your best work, to find your true writer’s ‘voice’ and to write authentically. Among other things, you’ll discover the secret of SPICE, the seven steps to writing life stories, and put this into practice right away.

Jo Parfitt has published 31 books herself, has helped more than 100 authors get into print and more than 1,000 people to begin writing. She’s an inspiring, compassionate and encouraging teacher: her motto is ‘sharing what I know to help others to grow’. Jo says: “The course at the watermill will provide a safe haven in which to unlock your creativity, write from your heart and hone your writing craft. It will also help to remove blocks to your writing. Sessions at the mill will empower students to write in a compelling way that makes real experiences come to life.”

Jo Parfitt18 August to 25 August 2018 AND

22 September to 29 September 2018 Course full

Write Your Life Stories

To learn more about Jo and her course at The Watermill, please click here